Wooden blades

[Streetluge Chris]

I need to recover some wooden blades of of an old Kalt space baron what do i need.

[chugga-bug]

Unless you are 100% sure about the condition of these 'old' blades, I would bin 'em and buy some new ones mate.

[Streetluge Chris]

You can not get these anymore.

[robgt]

Won't a standard set of 30 or 50 size woodies do the job?
Or is there something special about the blades in question?

Cheers,
Rob

[andylinney]

Quick UK do Blade covering heatshrink...


or at least they used to. Have a look on their website.

Andy

[Streetluge Chris]

They are odd size 8mm root and only 520mm its a pain in the bum.

[trillian]

You can get Gaui wood blades that are 500mm but I'm not sure what thickness the root is and I think it's the same size as the standard 550mm woodies.

My Kalt gasser uses 680mm blades and a massive 18mm thick root at the blade grips but fitting blades with a 14mm root is no biggy as you can just use some washers.

[pchristy]

Check the blades carefully for any sign of splintering or cracking, especially around the root area. Damage to the balsa trailing edge can be repaired, but its imperative that the hardwood "spar" is perfect - especially around the bolt area.

Aside from heatshrink tube - which is the easiest to apply - you can also use any Solarfilm type material. If you want something a bit weightier, use Fablon - though this can be tricky to apply cleanly.

Speaking as an old fart who has been flying helis since Pontius was a pilot (well, over 30 years anyway!), my early machines all used hand carved blades, as I couldn't buy any the right size for my original plan built machine! I don't claim to be the world's greatest wood worker, but I did eventually manage to make sets good enough to fly reasonably well. Fablon gave the most durable finish, but was also the most fiddly to apply!

Remember to balance them carefully when you've done. You are unlikely to get a perfect balance without adding some extra covering to one blade!

Best of luck!

--
Pete

[Boggy]

wow hand carved blades!!! makes you realise just how easy we have it now. so there's your answer chris get that whitling stick out and get busy!
oh and btw hobby hanger stock the heat shrink covering when you've got then done

[steelie600]

They are odd size 8mm root and only 520mm its a pain in the bum.

Chris ive got a pair of these blades brand new unused, need covering yours for free if you pay for postage, ill double check the length when i get home (10:15pm) but they are yours if you want them

[Streetluge Chris]

Thanks Kev I will double check on the size if there space baron should be right.

[Streetluge Chris]

If I get some which are longer and with the right root can i cut them down and balance them.

[steelie600]

you can but i wouldnt recommend it